The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

from goodreads

3 stars

My friend form the blog My Fale wrote an excellent post about the importance and magic of libraries. Check it out here. She writes beautifully. Have a fun time reading her blog!

I read the Red Pyramid during the summer. I wanted to start the Percy Jackson series, but all the other kids in my city must have wanted to do the same thing because they were all out at the library and the hold list was a bit crazy. So, I decided to read this book, the first in the Kane series, by the same author as Percy Jackson.

Synopsis

Twins, Carter and Sadie are thrown into the crazy world of Egyptian gods after their father destroys the Rosetta stone and unleashes the evil god Set. Carter and Sadie have to learn magic and face many dangers in order to save their father and the world.

My Thoughts

I liked how this book taught about Egyptian legends and the gods personalities. It sort of reminded me of the Stargate SG-1 series (on TV) as it talked about gods taking human hosts, though not in in the same way as in Stargate. 

That being said, the book was not the best. At times I found the story very hard to pictures. There were details that were not explained well or I forgot about and had to re-read. I also got confused at times of who the narrator was. Every two chapters the narrator switched from Carter to Sadie, and then back. The voices of the two protagonists were hard to distinguish. If I put the book down in the middle of the chapter I had to flip back to the beginning to remember who was narrating. It is definitely a book that you should finish the chapter before stopping. As a busy mom that is hard to do.

It was hard to believe that the characters were only 12. To me the seemed older like 14 or 15, especially Sadie. It might have been better if Riordan had said they were 14. It would have made the book a bit more believable and possibly more enjoyable. Some of the things they said and did just seemed more mature than "normal" 12 year olds. But that being said, it has been a while since I was 12 and my oldest is no where near 12, so you can judge it for yourself. To me it was just not believable.

I was also frustrated with the lack of help and magical training Sadie and Carter received. They were just supposed to know what to do. Wouldn't there be a guide of some sort? That just didn't make sense to me and that could be  why I found the story hard to picture.

I will probably read the rest of the series, but I am in no rush to do so. Older children would probably have no issues with this book. They will love it and probably would give it a higher rating than what I did. An adult will probably find the story frustrating if they were reading it themselves. But, if reading with your 10 year-old, you will probably have lots of fun.

Snow Day! by Werner Zimmermann

from
http://wernerzimmermann.ca/book-list/

4 stars

Today, where I live, it feels like -30 with the wind chill (that's in Celsius). How I was hoping and praying that school would be cancelled and my kids would have a snow day. I did not want to be trudging through the cold and wind to drop them off. (I don't live that far from school, maybe a five minute walk if that, I really shouldn't complain.) Well, a snow day was not to be had, but I still felt that this would be an appropriate book for today.

This book was our library's Let's Read community book. Two weeks ago we went to a library activity where they read this book and gave out free copies! Yay, free books! So, the copy I read I got for free, but not for the purposes of a review. Just because corporate sponsors of the event were really nice.

Synopsis

All the children wait in anticipation for the words Snow Day! This book follows a young boy on his snow day adventure.

My Thoughts

I really liked this book. The author totally understood and captured the anticipation and joy of a snow day. Waking up, listening to the radio, eager to hear that your bus is cancelled or school is closed and the feeling of complete and utter joy when you know that you have a snow day!

I think Zimmermann thought of everything that you could possibly do or want to do on a snow day. Helping neighbours shovel, having a skating party, building a snow fort, going tobogganing, getting your snow pants soaked and having lots and lots of hot chocolate.

The illustrations have a nostalgic feel to them. They are not crisp and clear. They are almost like a memory, fuzzy around the edges. I like how the pictures are from different vantage points. I especially like the picture which is from the point of view of a squirrel in a tree watching the kids as they clear off the rink.

This is the perfect read for a chilly winters day. If you live in balmier climbs, it is the perfect book to help you feel you are part of winter and gives you a glimpse of the fun you are missing.

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

from goodreads

3 stars

When you think of space you don't often think of Canada. Chris Hadfield sorta changed all that when last year he was commander of the international space station. He gave everyone a glimpse of what it is like in space and seemed to be able to get the whole world excited and involved in what they do at the space station. To me that is pretty cool. My favourite quote is from Hadfield, it motivates me. Remember that you need to decide who you want to be, and then start slowly turning yourself into that person, each day.

Synopsis

Chris Hadfield reflects upon his life: his dreams of becoming an astronaut, joining the CSA, his trips into space and his time on earth. He tells us what he has learned because he is an astronaut and how that can help us with our own relationships either personal or in a work environment.

My Thoughts

When the book was released I was so excited and put a hold on it right away. I thought I was going to loooove it. I love hearing him in interviews and youTube videos so, why not in book format? Well... I didn't really love the book. I liked it well enough though.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section focuses on his time on earth in preparation mode. Trying his best to become an astronaut, which is not very easy to do, especially in Canada. Then learning and training in Houston for all the things that come along with being an astronaut. The second section is about his time in space and his experiences there. The last section is about his time after his space flight.

The first section almost read like a self-help book. He would say something he learned and then was like, if you apply this to relationships you will get a good emotional result. Although what he was saying could very well be true, it was kind of weird. I wasn't really reading this for relationship help. I was reading it more to learn about his time being an astronaut, both on earth and in space.

The second and third section were more readable. It still showed how things in his astronaut life can overlap in real life but, it did not have the self-help vibe.

One thing that was a bit monotonous was his focus on preparation. Now I think preparation is important especially if you are going out to space where you need to know how to fix things and do things and there is really no one else to help you. So focusing on preparation that's great. It was interesting to learn about all the things that astronauts do to train themselves years in advance of their missions. What was not so great was how he would say, I really needed to rely on my years of training, because one wrong move and we'd be dead. Or I had to make sure I kept my focus and helped so and so or one mishap and he would be dead. We get it. One mistake and you are dead, think about what is the next thing that will happen that could kill you. Got it! Preparation is important but does it always have to be phrased in a way that shows how close you are to your ultimate demise? I just felt like I was being beat over the head with it.

So on the whole, the book wasn't too bad. The first section I had to persevere through and almost thought about putting the book aside, but the last two sections were great and interesting and what I thought it would be. He writes really well, he had some funny stories. I especially liked the one about the newspaper headline. I gave it 3 stars just because some sections were 5 star worth others were 2 star worthy. It was a real mixed bag.

Despite the mixed bag I would still recommend this book because the overall message was great. Work hard for your dreams, but if they don't come true still be happy with life. True joy comes from the small things in life, not the big momentous occasions. Stay humble and recognize the huge team effort that goes behind getting you to where you are today.

The King Has Goat Ears by Katarina Jovanovic illustrated by Philippe Beha

from goodreads

4.5 stars

When I was young I had a cassette tape (that's right, a good ol' cassette tape with walkman) of Robert Munsch stories. There was one story that was not a Munsch story. I don't know the title or who the narrator was. I don't even remember all the words of the story. I remember one line, "Each blade of grass whispered to the other 'the King of Togo Togo has two horns'". Even my husband remembers that line, it must have been a popular tape. This book reminds me of that story. It allows me to remember and know how happy my childhood was.

Synopsis

Poor King Boyan has goat ears on his head. Because of that he never leaves his castle and getting a hair cut is quite difficult. When he needs a hair cut he summons a barber and then that barber is never seen again. There is now a shortage of barbers. Igor is an apprentice to the only barber left. He agrees to go cut the King's hair. When the King asks Igor how he looks Igor says he looks fine, and then is sent home. But Igor knows the kings secret and can't tell anyone, but needs to let it out, so he digs a hole and yells in his secret and covers it up. Will the secret stay safe?

My Thoughts

This is a cute story. The pictures are cool. They are made up of various textiles and that makes them really special.

I liked how this story shows that you can be happy no matter what you look like. Really it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you are happy and love yourself. It shows how when you stop worrying about things that are out of your control, self-confidence can build.

This book also showed how secrets can spread even when we think we are being careful. Words are powerful things. We need to be careful with them.

The adult in me thought a few things were strange. Like, Why didn't he keep one barber in the castle all the time and just use him? Why did he have to get a new barber each time, even though the other barbers were still in the castle? Wouldn't the people already know he had goat ears, assuming he had them since birth? My kids just accepted things as fact and didn't worry themselves about "the details". Me and my logical brain!

So one the whole I really enjoyed this book. My children really enjoyed this book. That there is a winning combination.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

from good reads

4 stars

Growing up I loved science fiction and fantasy. The worlds that were created were amazing. Through university I still loved the genre but it was through the medium of television. I loved shows like Stargate SG-1 and Star Trek: The Next Generation and Voyager. This was my first science fiction novel that I read in along time. And I must admit, I still love this genre.

Synopsis

Earth has been attacked twice by "the buggers".  The military looks for new commanders by monitoring gifted children until age six. Ender Wiggins has been selected to attend an elite battle school. There he learns strategy and combat skills through games. All this to help the earth be safe from the buggers.

My Thoughts

The language in this book is simple. It make it easy to read and helps the reader remember that the characters are young kids and not teenagers. The author had a thing about farts. He talked about them a lot.

At times I found it hard to picture what was happening. And there were tons of play battle scenes. I thought I was going to get bored with all the talk about strategy and play fights, but I didn't. You really feel for Ender and want nothing but good things for him.

This book was written in the 70s. It was kind of amazing the things that were in the book that are around today. The internet, tablets, simulators. It was truly amazing.

What I really like about science fiction is that it is a great platform to discuss different moral and societal issues. In this book it discusses the issues of safety. How far do you push people when humanity is at stake? Do we hurt people enough so they don't hurt us again or do we show mercy? Can limiting choices, including choice of the family you want, backfire in society? Do differences always bring out hostility?

I am interested in seeing the movie. I wonder how they are going to deal with the lapse of six years. I made sure I read the book before seeing the movie. I have had this book on my to read list for a long time. when I heard the movie was coming out I put it to the top of my list. I always wonder, when people see me reading it do they think I am doing it just because of the movie and am joining the bandwagon, or do they know that it has been on my list forever and I am finally getting around to it. I should get a sign letting them know that it was on my list for a long time, I am not trying to join the populous. In the end I guess it really doesn't matter.

I really liked this book. I think if you have 9 and up boys in your life they will like it. I am not sure if girls that young will like it. They might appreciate it more once they are 14 or so.

Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad by David Soman and Jacky Davis

from goodreads

3 stars

This is one of a series of books starring ladybug girl. Each book deals with a social issue/emotional issue. It is nice when children's literature can help parents navigate the teaching of social conventions and learning social cues. It is an abstract thing and can be hard to grasp, even by adults. So, it is nice when books can teach without seeming to preachy.

Synopsis

Lulu, aka Ladybug Girl, has invited her fellow bug squad members to her house for a play date. Lulu has it all mapped out in her head of how she wants it to go. When somethings don't go the way she planned Lulu has to decide what is more important, strict adherence to her rules or having her friends be happy.

My Thoughts

I loved the illustrations. They were colourful and realistic. For me they were the highlight.

The story however was rather lack lustre. I felt nothing was really all that interesting. Most of it was just kids on a play date. No real drama. It wasn't until almost then end when the conflict finally occurred. But then, it was quickly resolved. There was no build up or anything, just BLAM, then done.

I do like that it helps kids know that not everyone will do things exactly how you would want them to. And, that we need to figure out what is more important, your friends happiness or having your way.

I might check out some of the other books in the series, though I am not in a rush to do so.

Maus by Art Spiegelman

from goodreads

5 stars

I first heard about this book in my first year of university. It used to be on the reading list of one of my professors classes. Unfortunately that year it was not. As soon as I heard about it I knew it was a book I wanted to read. Now, eleven years later, I finally did.

Synopsis

This is a biographical/autobiographical story of Art learning his about his father's life as a Polish Jew during WWII. You see the strain in the relationship of father and son in the present day. It is told as a graphic novel using black and white drawings and word bubbles. Spiegelman uses animals to depict different groups of people. Jews are mice. Nazis/Germans are cats. Poles are pigs. French are frogs. It is divided into two parts. The first is before the war and up until his father is brought to Auschwitz. The second part is from Auschwitz to after the war. The second part was published nearly a decade after the first part.

My Thoughts

I loved it. I liked how it was not just another story from Auschwitz but showed the survivors guilt. How that experience continued to affect them decades later and that it paid a toll on the new generation as well. Spiegelman does not hide his frustration in talking with his father or his fathers habits and attitudes. The children of survivors live in a completely different type of world than that of what their parents lived through. It is hard for the children of survivors to understand their parents at times and why they do or why they act the way they do. Spiegelman's portrayal of himself and his father is raw and real.

The use of animals made dealing with a difficult subject easier. It does not trivialize the horrors. It is just not as in your face or harsh. You are still sad and horrified at what happened. This is a great way to introduce older children to the subject of the holocaust. There are some parts, usually the present day parts, that are not as appropriate for older children, but the story of his father in Poland is appropriate. Probably for children ten and up.

It was interesting how he was able to show the different people in the camps and how some handled the pressure and the stress of the camp differently than others. His father discusses how survival was essential pure luck. There was no rhyme nor reason to what happened. Also some prisoners were able to try and make deals and trades to get a better uniform, a spoon, some extra food, some easier labour. Others immediately fizzled and waited for death to come. What made the difference?

I'm not sure if there is one thing in particular we are to take away from this account. For me I took away that we need to be more patient and tolerant of one another. I am so glad that I read this. It gave me some real food for thought.

The Best Birthday Ever! By Me Lana Kittie by Charise Mericle Harper

from goodreads

4 stars

Usually when I see the Disney name associated with something my first response is to to turn and run. Don't get me wrong. I like disney movies, but when they turn their movies or shows into books I feel my brain turning into mush. So I was a bit leery of this book. I was pleasantly suprised.

Synopsis

Lana Kittie loves her birthday. She wants it to be the best day ever as it only comes around once a year. So, she hosts a pretend birthday party and teaches us what is appropriate for our own party. She talks about what to wear, being gracious with unexpected gifts and more. Lana is definitely the hostess with the mostess.

My Thoughts

This book is simple adorable. It is very thorough with regards to party planning and how to be a great hostess.

I love how she shows the right way to do things and the not so right way to do things. It is hilarious. Even my kids thought it was funny. It was a great conversation starter. I could sit down with my daughter and discuss with her why somethings were o.k. and other things were not.

The drawings were cute. The little asides were funny. The kids were learning without knowing they were learning.

I like the idea of needing to practice manners. I think sometimes we forget that kids don't come with pre-programmed manners. They have to be patiently taught and then practice. We need to teach and the practice courteous greetings at the door and gracious gift receiving. This book reminds us of this but in a fun and gentle way.

I think I will get this book from the library  closer to our birthday season. It will be a great planning tool.

This books is so much fun. It is a joy for the parents and for the children.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

from goodreads

3 stars

When I started reading this book it totally gave me the vibe of Downton Abbey. The whole upstairs vs. downstairs vibe was totally there. I kept picturing the cook and the head butler as the actors from Downton. It was kind of cool. So, if you like Downton Abbey, you may like this book.

Synopsis

Grace was born at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1999 a film producer, who is making a movie about the suicide that happened at Riverton, asks Grace questions about her time as a servant at Riverton. This causes Grace to reflect on her time at the grand house and the events that unfolded there.

My Thoughts

This is definitely a book you do not want to read the back cover of before you read the book. I found it a bit misleading and thus, I got a bit impatient while reading it. I thought that the book was going to revolve a bit more around the suicide, but it doesn't. In fact, not much happens that is very actiony. It is basically just about life, at Riverton, and then London, and that is about it. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Even when they started talking about "the game" I thought it might pick up on the action. But nope, not much.

One thing that Morton does well in this book is the blending of the timelines. She is a true master at being able to have a coherent book that goes between two timelines. It is never confusing, you always know which time is which and it always makes sense. There are no abrupt changes.

She also did a great job of really understanding the history of the war and "shell shock". She was able to describe the rawness these men felt when coming back from war. She captured their hopelessness of a normal life as well as their scorn for the old traditions, which really didn't seem to matter anymore. You gained a greater understanding of how these men felt, and why the twenties were such a crazy time of high euphorias and depressing lows.

Reading this book definitely made me happy that I live in this time. Today it is so much easier to make yourself into what you want to be and there is not as much boredom or feelings of being stifled as there were back then, especially for women, and those of the different classes.

Some of the plot points were a bit weird and weak. Some of the characters could probably be eliminated all together as I did not understand their value to the story.

One the whole I found it to be a very readable book. It was long and did drag at some points, but on the whole I am glad I read it, though I will not read it again.